It can be tough to find just the right family photographer near you. After googling “best photographer near me” you may be left more confused than ever! Combing through photographer after photographer’s website doesn’t give you much to compare side by side. You may get lucky and find the perfect photographer with the perfect style at the perfect price on the first try, but if you don’t, I have a few other places for you to try! And once you go through this process you will always be in the know for sales, events and special sessions available with your local photographers. It take some digging but it’s worth it in the end! So, let’s get started!
Start by asking for Photographer Recommendations in Local Facebook Groups and MOm Groups in your area
If you’re looking for a local photographer, start by searching through local and mom groups on social media. There’s no better place to get local recommendations than in Facebook Groups.. Ask the members who they recommend and why. After all, the best way to find your new family photographer is to ask the locals! Especially the moms!
So, head over to Facebook and if you aren’t already a member of local groups and mom groups, join some! Then, make a post asking everyone for recommendations for their favorite photographer. Be specific when you ask for recommendations. Here’s a few examples of what to post.
Hi all! I'm looking for a new family photographer for our Christmas Family Photos. I prefer light and airy, clean and crisp images and styled backgrounds. Bonus points if Santa is there! So, who's your favorite photographer??? Please include links to their socials if you've got them. TIA
Hi all! I'm looking for a new family photographer for our Christmas Family Photos. I prefer light and airy, clean and crisp images and styled backgrounds. No Santa sessions please, my kids will just scream! So, who's your favorite photographer??? Please include links to their socials so I can find them easily. Thanks!
Hi everyone! I'm looking for a new family photographer for our Spring Family Photos. I prefer lifestyle photographers that don't focus so much on posing and instead capture my family as they are. I'd love to take pictures in a field of flowers. So, who's your favorite photographer??? Drop their handles below please! Thanks for helping!
Hey Moms! I'm looking for a new family photographer for our Family Photos. I prefer a photographer that does lots of themed photoshoots throughout the year that are fun and interactive! So, who's your favorite photographer??? Links are appreciated! TIA
Being this specific will help you attract and hear from just the right people. If you just ask for a general recommendation for any family photographer you will get so many results of all different styles that it may get overwhelming. If you aren’t sure what style you prefer, check this article out.
You should get a ton of responses to your post from other families who have used photographers near you. Plus, photographers in your area are most likely a member of those groups so they will often chime in with their business info (and maybe even a current promotion they are running). Facebook Groups are an excellent place for photographers near you to market their services so there will be plenty to chose from!
If someone takes the time to recommend a photographer in a Facebook group when they aren’t getting anything in return, they’re likely to have had good experiences with that photographer, so they should be able to give you some great advice.
Next, Head to Instagram and Search for Photographers in your Area.
If you’ve still got some searching to do for a local photographer, head to Instagram and search for photographers in your area. This will give you an idea of who’s available and what kind of prices they charge. Plus, since Instagram is such a visual platform, you will get a taste of who to follow just from the images and videos that pop up.
So, go to the search bar in Instagram and type “Your Area” Family Photographer (i.e. Atlanta Family Photographer, Jupiter Family Photographer, etc.) and see what pops up. You should be able to scroll through picture after picture and follow the photographers whose images you love. Once you follow them you will be able to look further into their profiles to check their pricing, locations and availabilities. Instagram is my favorite place to find and book photographers. I can send them a DM and get in contact right away, and they often have a way to book right from their profile.
For Consistent Inspiration – Check out these profiles on Instagram.
The best photographers are often featured on organizations and companies profiles on Instagram. You may get lucky and one of those photographers may be in your area! So, follow these profiles on Instagram to not only be inspired by the beautiful images they post, which may help you figure out what your ideal style of photography is, but also because it may help you find an amazing photographer in your area!
- Unscripted
- Style & Select – this account will also help you find inspiration for outfits!
- Unraveled Academy
A few things to consider before booking a photographer near you
When choosing a photographer make sure to pay attention to how they edit clothing in particular. If you really want the best images possible, you have to pick a photographer with a specific skill set. Clothing should look better in their photographs, better than in reality and better than a picture you would take yourself. Certain photographers edit clothing so it pops, the colors are rich and the textures can be seen.
When you choose a photographer that can deliver results like this, the time, effort and money you spend on the session itself and the outfits will be worth it! Photographers that not only take pictures well but also edit well, often charge more. And I wholeheartedly believe that they are worth the money, in the end the results are just so much better. But, if you can’t afford a specific photographer but still love their style, make sure to take a look at who follows that specific photographer. Like attracts like, and oftentimes the best photographers also offer trainings and presets for other photographers. So, if you take a look at who is following that rockstar photographer, you may find a photographer with a similar editing style that is newer and isn’t charging quite as much yet. I’ve found some of my favorite photographers by doing this.
I wish you luck finding a photographer near you that you love! If you use this process and find a photographer, I’d love to see the results you get! And if you get stuck with outfits make sure you reach out, that’s my thing! Find me on Instagram at @thiskristincruz to chat!
Love this so much! Specifics about budget are also a great thing to ask about as well!
Good point!